From Newsday, a Long Island (NY) newspaper, 1998-07-02 - Jacqueline Boone --- Perhaps the only thing more astounding than Elvis Costello's compositional prowess is how uncannily his creations fit the style and vision of fellow musicians from every conceivable genre. This fascinating compilation of covers, compositions written for other artists, and collaborations includes performances by such musical legends as Paul McCartney, Dave Edmunds, Nick Lowe, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Chet Baker, Robert Wyatt, and Ruben Blades. Particularly intriguing are Costello covers that range from complete stylistic reincarnations -- such as Dave Edmund's upbeat, rockabilly rendition of the moody, sophisticated "Girls Talk" -- to songs so radically modified as to be almost unrecognizable. Included in the latter are Costello's dramatically reworked lyrics and arrangement of his frenzied classic "The Comedians" for Roy Orbison, and a reinvention of what Costello dubbed the "ugly clutter" of his "Deportees Club" into a mournful, engaging Gaelic ballad for Christy Moore. The composer's liner notes offer fans a rare, priviliged glimpse into the inner workings of Costello's collaborative and creative genius. --- This appeared in a "New Sounds" column, and there's a small, BY-era headshot photo of our man.